Pre-Retina MBP 13" vs 15" reliability

[tanphu194]

Hi all,
My friend is in need of a budget MBP with about $350. I am doing some research comparing model year and size. According to my understanding, his sweet spot would be in the 2010-2011 year range, and the 13" MBP seems to have less problems than the 15" (2010 - GPU panic, 2011 - dead GPU). Please let me know your thoughts.
Thanks.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

The 13 inch is a more reliable option and has great upgrade options 16gb RAM and two hard drives, at $350 see if you can push for the 2012 for that all important USB 3 port...

An SSD will make them all run pretty damn quick too, my old 2010 is still pretty damn fast with an SSD in it.

 

[jerryk]

If $300 is the top I would go with the 13" for the reasons you mention. Get a 2011 or 2012 for the faster SATA and thrown in an SSD.